er on that point," said Mr. Jennings coldly, "and a
jury must decide between us. Policemen, take the party before the
magistrate. I will follow with my witnesses, and I pledge myself to
visit so heinous a crime with the utmost rigor of the law."

The policemen stepped to the side of Caroline.

"I appeal to your generosity--to your mercy," cried Franklin, "that
she may at least be taken to the American Minister, instead of being
dragged before a magistrate. I request only that you act with
gentleness."

Mr. Jennings pointed the policemen to the door.

"And I not only request, I demand it!" cried Franklin. "If you refuse
me, you refuse me at your peril--"

"You have nothing to command here, sir," replied Mr. Jennings. "The
American Minister can make his statement before the magistrate. I am
not disposed to exercise the least mercy. Policemen, your duty. If her
fate be a terrible one, she has herself to thank for it. I hope it may
deter others from following her example."

"And what will be my daughter's fate?" asked the unsteady voice of
Mrs. Clifford.

"Transportation for life," was the reply.

Mrs. Clifford shrieked. Caroline rose wildly and staggered toward the
door. Mr. Jennings, as if thirsting for her destruction, and fearing
her escape, seized her so roughly that she screamed with pain and
terror, when Franklin dragged him back and hurled him to the wall. His
impulse was to strike him to the earth, but with one of the highest
qualities attained by man, self-government, he recollected himself and
refrained.

"Policemen," shouted Mr. Jennings, very white, "I command you to take
the whole party into custody. You witnessed the assault. I am in
danger of my life. They are a gang of thieves and cut-throats. Off
with them this instant."

"Stop!" cried Franklin, and there was something in his voice which
arrested the step of the policemen, and _compelled_ Jennings to stand
in breathless attention. "I demand the presence of one or both of your
partners, before the young lady be removed. You will not, because you
_dare_ not, refuse me this reasonable request. If you do, sir, it were
better you never had been born. Guilty, or not guilty, the person
whom, before she has been tried, your infamous lips have branded as a
common thief, has a right to all mild and gentle treatment, consistent
with law and justice. You say the jury will decide. But the question
is now whether your house is prepared to send her before a